We Focus On What Matters

We Focus On What Matters

My Baby Grinds Their Teeth. What Should I Do?

Posted August 15, 2017.

Teeth grinding habits in children is not uncommon. In fact, studies show that about 30 percent of children clench their jaw and grind their teeth. So, if your child grinds their teeth at night or during the day, you’re not alone. Dr. Trace M. Lund will be happy to ease your concerns by telling you a little more about baby teeth grinding in Provo, Utah.

The teeth grinding typically occurs because your child is trying to soothe teething pains, trying out their new little chompers, or soothing pain or discomfort resulting from an earache or allergy. Now, if the latter is the case for your child, it’s best to take them to the pediatrician for treatment. If your child grinds because of they are teething or trying out their new teeth, there is nothing to worry about.

This habit should subside as your child grows. To prevent it as much as possible, you can try to open your child’s jaw when they grind. You can do so by using your thumb and middle finger to push the sides of the cheeks inside the mouth. You can also encourage your child to chew on a teething ring. All in all, your child’s teeth grinding habit shouldn’t cause too much damage. If anything, it will wear the chompers down, but soon they will be replaced with new, permanent teeth.

To learn more about baby teeth grinding or how to help your child stop the habit, please call Provo Pediatric Dentistry at 801-373-4200 and talk to a member of our dental team. We are happy to help you!